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World champions Spain marked their first home match since lifting the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Croatia in the Nations League on Tuesday.
Captain Rodri presented the World Cup trophy to the home crowd at Seville’s Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium before Spain produced a performance worthy of champions.
Lamine Yamal scored twice, while Marc Pubill and Nico Williams were also on target as Luis de la Fuente’s side made it two wins from two in the competition.
Yamal needed just 70 seconds to put Spain ahead. After a move involving Marc Cucurella and Alex Baena, Fermin Lopez left the ball for Yamal, who cut in from the right and fired a low shot into the net.
Croatia levelled in the 28th minute when Dion Drena Beljo headed home Ivan Perisic’s precise cross.
Spain restored their lead only three minutes later. Yamal combined with Fermin from a short corner before crossing for Pubill, who headed the ball into the net.
Yamal struck again in the 63rd minute. He raced onto a superb through ball from Pedri and scored from a difficult angle with his left foot, leaving Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic with no chance.
De la Fuente substituted Yamal five minutes later, with the teenager receiving a standing ovation from the home supporters.
Croatia brought on veteran midfielder Luka Modric, 41, late in the game in an attempt to find a way back, but Spain remained in control.
Nico Williams completed the scoring in the 89th minute after receiving the ball from a move involving Rodri, Pedri and Mikel Merino. He beat a defender before calmly finishing past Livakovic.
Yamal has now directly contributed to four goals through scoring and assists in Spain’s two matches during this international window.
After also beating England 3-2, Spain have six points from two Nations League matches. The world champions will next face the Czech Republic on October 3.
